in a old SUV, its the "specific vehicle being bought" rather than brands, model or generations, etc.
Don't buy without a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection from an reputed SUV workshop (not the normal workshop) and you will enjoy whatever you buy.
with a lil bit of personal experience, I agree with every comment of dayrider, demonoid and sherwan_88 as its based on their personal experience with different old SUVs, dayrider might have had a poor Gen-ii, Sherwan_88 has a good Pajero mechanic and Demonoid has a gem/danna Pajero. Have experienced all this myself.
Pajero - find a mechanic who understands the Turbo Diesel Intercooler (TDi) system and doesn't hate Pajero engines and your ok with a bit of preventive maintenance which is more than Toyota. Read this comment of Pakwheels founder and check out other SUVs in his house, https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/4x4-clubs-off-roaders-suv/114631-pajero-prado-one-better-experts-plzz-8#post1882532
Prado - find a genuine one coz they go 2L to 2Lte to 3L to 1KZ to 1KZte on the same vehicle and in the end will claim its the best SUV although it has had 5 engine transplants.
LC 80 Series - a clear winner but finding a good one is very difficult, ranges between 1 - 2 million n this range explains how one LC80 would differ from another.
Pajero Gen II vs. Prado 95 - test drive both, unless you have the Toyota mindset, Pajero might surprise you?